Choose Sisterhood
When was the first time you compared yourself to another person? Can you remember? I can! It was in the first grade when we had a Sesame Street coloring page contest. I worked so diligently on my picture and felt very proud. The day came for the winners to be announced and I scanned the artwork displayed in the school hallway. I saw the 1st place ribbon on Jami’s artwork and not mine. I hadn’t even placed.
Jami’s picture was amazing! I glanced back and forth between my picture and hers and noticed all of the differences—shading, outlining & every color inside the lines. It looked perfect and mine was nothing compared to hers. Of course I didn’t receive first place, how could I?! She was a much better artist than me and my picture was awful! I still remember the sting of disappointment and jealousy.
I’ll often share with people that I’m not an artist and maybe that’s true. But that day in first grade I sort of gave up on the idea. I began to believe that art wasn’t my thing and I wasn’t good at it. Those “not good enough” thoughts led me down a road of self-criticism and defeat. I totally understand why my 6-year old self took that path, it makes sense. However, it’s interesting to consider a different outcome.
Let’s rewind and try out a second story.
I saw the 1st place ribbon on Jami’s artwork and not mine. I hadn’t even placed. Jami’s picture was amazing! I glanced back and forth between my picture and hers and noticed all of the differences—shading, outlining & every color inside the lines. I felt disappointed but also understood why she received first place. I gave myself a small pep talk about how I worked hard and could still be proud of what I created. I reassured myself that if art was something I enjoyed I could keep learning & trying. I told Jami she did a great job and asked her for some coloring tips. I was compassionate with myself and happy for my friend. And now I am a world famous artist—maybe, maybe not?! ;)
Sometimes our brains need a little help choosing a different story because it doesn’t come naturally. I’m offering my Sisterhood Workshop to help us ladies overcome the negative comparison I described. You’ll discover your “not good enough thoughts” that lead to self-criticism and defeat. You’ll also identify times that you are competitive in a way that leads to burn out. Come learn how to truly love yourself and the other women in your life. See you there!